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Armed forces minister rewards Navy’s top sailors
20 July 2016
Star sailors from the Royal Navy’s Portsmouth flotilla have been rewarded for outstanding achievements by the Armed Forces Minister.
In her last day in office (Monday 18th July) Penny Mordaunt presented 29 awards to personnel who have gone the extra mile for their ship or unit during the past 12 months.
The ceremony on Friday (July 15) was held on board HMS Victory and was followed by a dinner at HMS Nelson.
Two recipients of the award are based on the 65,000-tonne giant aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, currently in build at Rosyth. Chief Petty Officer Graeme Duncan was recognised for his efforts in working with industry to ensure that the ship’s fresh water system, galley and laundry were ready for the ship’s company to move on board.
In a challenging year when the Portsmouth Flotilla has scarcely been busier, it is really important that we recognise some of the extraordinary individual efforts of our Sailors, which contribute so powerfully to our collective successes.
Medical Assistant Louise Whalley was rewarded for her key role in introducing and managing the ship’s first aid and medical training plans and for tailoring effective bespoke training for different departments.
Commander Portsmouth Flotilla, Commodore Peter Sparkes said: “In a challenging year when the Portsmouth Flotilla has scarcely been busier, it is really important that we recognise some of the extraordinary individual efforts of our Sailors, which contribute so powerfully to our collective successes.
“I am delighted that the Minister for the Armed Forces agreed to present these awards in the presence of the recipient’s partners today, and I am also grateful to BAE Systems and the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity for their support in making it possible.”
Special guests at the award ceremony included Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock and partners of the award winners, along with representatives from 12 Livery companies with affiliations to the Portsmouth Flotilla which includes Shipwrights, Merchant Taylors and Fishmongers.
Full list of Award Winners
CPOET(ME) Graeme Duncan - HMS Queen Elizabeth
MA Louise Whalley - HMS Queen Elizabeth
CPO(ME) David Mcallen - 2nd Mine Counter Measures Squadron
LET(ME) (L) Christopher Butler - 2nd Mine Counter Measures Squadron
Leading Diver Jay Proctor - 2nd Mine Counter Measures Squadron
Lt Alexandra Harris - HMS Mersey
LET(WE) Darren Clayton - HMS Severn
ET(ME)1 Alexander Edwards - HMS Tyne
Leading Chef Russell Aitken - HMS St Albans
CPOET(ME) Davidson - HMS Westminster
LSC Raquel Marter - HMS Westminster
Lt Ben Lewis - HMS Daring
>MA Emma Bull - HMS Daring
LACPO John Edmunds - HMS Dauntless
LS(SEA) Adam Drozdowski - HMS Defender
PTI Luke Steele - HMS Diamond
PO David Pitcher - HMS Duncan
MA Louise Craig - HMS Duncan
LS(EW) Timothy Dodge - HMS Dragon
PO(SEA) Daniel Tregarthen - HMS Iron Duke
ETWE(CIS) Oliver Darnell - HMS Iron Duke
Lt Keith Tobin - HMS Kent
LCH Spender Mhlanga - HMS Kent
Leading Diver Scott McAllister - Northern Diving Group
PO(D) Nicholas McPherson - Southern Diving Group
PO(D) Johnathon Norris - Fleet Diving Unit 1
Leading Seaman Carl Butterworth - HMS Richmond
POET(WE) Lee McCartney - HMS Richmond
Lt Amy Willcocks - HMS Clyde
POWtr Pete Gladden –PORFLOT HQ
Lt Cdr Christopher Holmes – PORFLOT HQ
WO1 Kevin Smith – Hunt Class Output Management (Joint Commander’s Commendation)